Observations and interpretations and remarks
Cruise 2009
We had the enormous blessing and good fortune to be able to go on another Carnival Cruise last week.
I had the short-lived thought to do a daily Blog each night of our trip (for 2 reasons – 1-to keep up with my “trying to Blog everyday” and 2- I forgot). I nixed that idea before our departure because this was going to be a relaxing trip (and it was) and I didn’t want to have anything I “had” to do and plus it AINT free to use the internet on the ship.
So, instead of a nightly/daily blog, you will get it all in one.
The highlights and/or observations if you will.
Some negative, some positive.
First off, Carnival Cruise line is a superb company. Their “Fun Ships” are really that. Fun.
This was the most relaxing Cruise we have taken. It was a true treasure in our vacation chest.
We sailed to Mexico and spent days there in two different ports.
Cozumel – the fun spot.
Progresso – the relaxing spot.
Mexico has and probably always have a warm (2 seasons: hot and hotter) place in our hearts.
We have been to each of these ports before and were happy to see some of our favorite places still “kicking.”
Lets me get through the negative. Do you know, many people that cruise can’t read (or don’t care). I am no prude, but they have a policy of “No shorts pants in the dining room” for a reason. But people disregarded that and Carnival failed to stop them. Also people actually smoked in No-smoking spots (until a Carnival employee told them to move). And finally, some people acted like they have never been to shows before. They stampeded the door, pushing and shoving, saving seats when they weren’t supposed to, etc etc etc.
No more negative. The negative was really nothing major (except the cigarettes) so I will move on.
What a trip.
We met some wonderful people. We met some interesting people. We met some fascinating people.
Our Dining Room Table mates were terrific folks. Jim and Gene are from Arkansas. Jim and Linda are from Idaho. Our dining room time was filled with delightful conversation and rewarding fellowship. Plus when we met on the boat or in Mexico, we shared the same great time and visits. We could not have asked for better people to dine with and get to know. We really hope our paths will cross again in the near future.
Tristan Gene: An American in Mexico. We both had on our LSU caps that day in Progresso. This guy walks up and says nice hat. Of course, we agreed. He proceeded to tell us about the restaurant he ran. You can sit on the beach, he’ll pump you with free snacks and a nice place to eat and use the restroom. Most of the restaurants along the strip have that service but his was the most appealing. So here we were a couple of LSU fans sitting about 10 feet from an Oklahoma fan in a Florida fans place. College football irony (Florida would end up beating Oklahoma that night in the National Championship game). Tristan said he a beautiful Mexican wife and a wonderful kid brought him to Mexico. He seemed happy. He seemed relaxed. He was a pretty nice guy.
Gorge’: George was a little Mexican boy who said he was 11 (not with spoken word but with his fingers). He looked like he was 7 (at the most). This little guy hustled. He cleared our places and kept our table clean. He played with kids that were sitting there too, but never missed a beat when it came to picking up a dirty plate or empty bottle. He was a nice kid and hope he has a nice life in Mexico. I’m not sure about the other tables, but he did well with tips from ours.
The Little Heavy Metal dudes: Tried for Arson. I noticed one of them before the ship sailed from New Orleans. He looked like a short version of Axle Rose. As the time would have it, we would end up talking to a few if them. Listening to their take on music and life. And giving them just a hint of advice. They were nice young men who on the surface may have seemed rough, but were not. They were just some guys on vacation who happen to be in a Heavy Metal band. So Dylan, KC, Cody, Daniel and Josh keep on playing the music and stay out of trouble.
Big Tex: the cruise director: He was apparently a fat guy at one time. I can’t remember how long he was on the Carnival Fantasy, but it wasn’t that long. He lost 90 pounds since coming on the ship. Amazing. Plus he brought back memories and caused a want and desire to go to a wedding. He did some dances one night. Some we all do at weddings and some new twists on some others. You know the classics. The lawnmower, the sprinkler, the flight attendant and the shopper. I can’t wait to go to the next wedding.
And last but certainly not least: Eduardo Basulto: We were in Progresso in May of 2006. This little old leathery faced Mexican man walked up to our table and sang to us (they do this all over Progresso for tips). He was great. Well low and behold, we saw him again. We had translated to him that he sang for us in May of 2006 and requested the same song. He was great. He ended up singing 3 songs for us and sat for a moment while he fixed one of his guitar strings. That was one of the highlights of our trip. Hopefully when we make it back to Progresso we will run into Eduardo.
Some pictures will soon follow.
Showing posts with label travel - trips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel - trips. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, October 6, 2008
The $500.00 Flower Pot
THE $500.00 FLOWER POT
A “RUN IN” at the USCG Training Site
10-6-08
Southern New Jersey was beautiful on October 3, 2008. Except for about 15 minutes, that day was perfect.
My wife and I, along with my step-son’s fiancé flew to Philadelphia and then drove to Atlantic City where our hotel was.
Things happen for a reason. The trip was planned so that we could attend my step-son’s United States Coast Guard training graduation in Cape May, NJ.
We originally had a hotel in Wildwoods, NJ. Expedia.com contacted us and said that the hotel was closing for the season and they booked us in their sister hotel (also in Wildwoods). Just for the heck of it, I called that hotel (the day before we flew out). We were not on the rolls and they were closing for the season as well. Before the sweat bead rolling down my forehead could hit the sheet of paper in front of me, my fingers were dialing Expedia.
Long story short – we ended up in Atlantic City, NJ. This was an awesome thing. It was about halfway between the airport and the Coast Guard facility. Everything was open. Plus the hotel was great. Even if you don’t gamble (like us – I don’t even know how to play poker) this hotel is breathtaking. You do have to walk through the casino to get to your room, but once you are past it you are among 21 world class restaurants (one we ate at would not be considered world class – maybe gym class) and probably about 50 stores. It was cool.
To the graduation. The USCG should be highly praised for the way they planned and performed the graduation ceremony. Yes they practically have a graduation every Friday, but they really make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Also the Good Lord served up an enormously beautiful day. We were proud and elated that day. It was a touching ceremony. We felt blessed and privileged to not only be able to attend but to witness a fantastic step in a young Man’s journey of life.
Prior to the ceremony a flower pot hit our rental car. Actually it was my fault. We were parking (be directed by security) and they told me to back up and go another way. I looked in my mirrors and cut the wheel.
BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hit something.
I look back thinking I hit another vehicle. I didn’t see anything. I looked out the door and saw a short and fat cement/stone flower pot. I hit it hard because the thing moved almost 8 inches. Well, a big scratch and a fist sized dent and some broken plastic later, I had to cough up my $500.00 deductible when we returned the rental. Honestly, I was only aggravated and agitated for about 15 minutes. The maturity that took me 41 years to find kicked in and we had a terrific time after that.
And thank God, while preparing to type this blog my insurance company called and told me they were sending me the 500.00 because I have full coverage on rentals.
Yes, I smiled.
Another plus to this trip. We paid $3.12 per gallon for gas in Rio Grande, NJ and $3.05 per gallon in Deptford, NJ. I thought I would never say Horrah about gas process over 3 bucks, but when we pay $3.55 or so in South Louisiana, that $3.12 and $3.05 are fantastic prices.
That’s about it. I am off today but I have hay to bail and cows to milk so I got to’ go.
Upcoming posts:
I will periodically dig into my poetry archives and put some “stuff” on the blog.
I am working on short story about……..when it is finished I will post it (probably in steps). And of course I an still researching for the upcoming post on Wade’s TOP 100 songs of all time………………..
A “RUN IN” at the USCG Training Site
10-6-08
Southern New Jersey was beautiful on October 3, 2008. Except for about 15 minutes, that day was perfect.
My wife and I, along with my step-son’s fiancé flew to Philadelphia and then drove to Atlantic City where our hotel was.
Things happen for a reason. The trip was planned so that we could attend my step-son’s United States Coast Guard training graduation in Cape May, NJ.
We originally had a hotel in Wildwoods, NJ. Expedia.com contacted us and said that the hotel was closing for the season and they booked us in their sister hotel (also in Wildwoods). Just for the heck of it, I called that hotel (the day before we flew out). We were not on the rolls and they were closing for the season as well. Before the sweat bead rolling down my forehead could hit the sheet of paper in front of me, my fingers were dialing Expedia.
Long story short – we ended up in Atlantic City, NJ. This was an awesome thing. It was about halfway between the airport and the Coast Guard facility. Everything was open. Plus the hotel was great. Even if you don’t gamble (like us – I don’t even know how to play poker) this hotel is breathtaking. You do have to walk through the casino to get to your room, but once you are past it you are among 21 world class restaurants (one we ate at would not be considered world class – maybe gym class) and probably about 50 stores. It was cool.
To the graduation. The USCG should be highly praised for the way they planned and performed the graduation ceremony. Yes they practically have a graduation every Friday, but they really make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Also the Good Lord served up an enormously beautiful day. We were proud and elated that day. It was a touching ceremony. We felt blessed and privileged to not only be able to attend but to witness a fantastic step in a young Man’s journey of life.
Prior to the ceremony a flower pot hit our rental car. Actually it was my fault. We were parking (be directed by security) and they told me to back up and go another way. I looked in my mirrors and cut the wheel.
BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hit something.
I look back thinking I hit another vehicle. I didn’t see anything. I looked out the door and saw a short and fat cement/stone flower pot. I hit it hard because the thing moved almost 8 inches. Well, a big scratch and a fist sized dent and some broken plastic later, I had to cough up my $500.00 deductible when we returned the rental. Honestly, I was only aggravated and agitated for about 15 minutes. The maturity that took me 41 years to find kicked in and we had a terrific time after that.
And thank God, while preparing to type this blog my insurance company called and told me they were sending me the 500.00 because I have full coverage on rentals.
Yes, I smiled.
Another plus to this trip. We paid $3.12 per gallon for gas in Rio Grande, NJ and $3.05 per gallon in Deptford, NJ. I thought I would never say Horrah about gas process over 3 bucks, but when we pay $3.55 or so in South Louisiana, that $3.12 and $3.05 are fantastic prices.
That’s about it. I am off today but I have hay to bail and cows to milk so I got to’ go.
Upcoming posts:
I will periodically dig into my poetry archives and put some “stuff” on the blog.
I am working on short story about……..when it is finished I will post it (probably in steps). And of course I an still researching for the upcoming post on Wade’s TOP 100 songs of all time………………..
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